Research Scientist Jobs in Colorado
Research Scientist jobs in Colorado are in strong demand, concentrated in aerospace and defense, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and environmental sciences across the Denver metro, Boulder, and Colorado Springs. Employers like Lockheed Martin, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and Pfizer's Colorado operations maintain a consistent presence and hire across seniority levels from early-career researchers to principal scientists. The most sought-after specialties in the state include materials science, computational biology, and climate and energy research. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 12+ Research Scientist jobs
University of Colorado Anschutz
Department: Immunology & Microbiology
Job Title: Research Scientist
Position #00849460 – Requisition #40887
Job Summary:
The Vazquez-Torres laboratory, located in the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, is recruiting a motivated Research Scientist to work on a project aimed to understand critical steps in Salmonella pathogenesis. The candidate should have expertise in Microbiology, genetics and molecular biology. The successful candidate will work with the principal investigator to develop the research project and prepare presentations and manuscripts, and help with grant writing.
Key Responsibilities:
Perform research
write papers
write grants
help maintain colony of vertebrate animals
train postdocs and graduate students
collaborate with other members of the lab and collaborators
Work Location:
Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO.
Why Join Us:
The Department of Immunology and Microbiology encompasses a broad range of research and teaching activities focused on basic mechanisms of host immune responses, viral and bacterial pathogenesis, and the intersection of these two fields. Working in the Department of Immunology and Microbiology offers the opportunity of professional growth in a vibrant academic and scientific environment.
Why work for the University?
We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:
- Medical: Multiple plan options
- Dental: Multiple plan options
- Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
- Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
- Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year (based on percentage of time)
- Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
- Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
- Holiday Days: 11/year
- Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
- ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
PhD degree in microbiology, cell biology, or a related field prior to starting this position. Candidates in the final stages of completing their doctoral level degree are eligible to apply.
Prior experience with phage biology, molecular biology, and microbiology.
Preferred Qualifications:
Published work in a peer-reviewed journal.
Excellent communication skills and ability to work in team.
Experience in molecular biology and microbiology.
Knowledge of bacterial genetics.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Proficient knowledge of basic laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques
Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution
Outstanding service skills
Knowledge of microbiology, bacterial genetics and molecular biology
Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information
How to Apply:
For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):
1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
2. Curriculum vitae / Resume
3. Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address
Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.
Questions should be directed to: Brooke Lydick, brooke.lydick@cuanschutz.edu
Screening of Applications Begins:
Immediately and continues until August 25, 2026.
Anticipated Pay Range:
The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:
$65,000 to $66,948
The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Total Compensation Calculator:
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
ADA Statement:
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu.
Background Check Statement:
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.
Vaccination Statement:
CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.
University of Colorado Anschutz
Department: Immunology & Microbiology
Job Title: Research Scientist
Position #00849460 – Requisition #40887
Job Summary:
The Vazquez-Torres laboratory, located in the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, is recruiting a motivated Research Scientist to work on a project aimed to understand critical steps in Salmonella pathogenesis. The candidate should have expertise in Microbiology, genetics and molecular biology. The successful candidate will work with the principal investigator to develop the research project and prepare presentations and manuscripts, and help with grant writing.
Key Responsibilities:
Perform research
write papers
write grants
help maintain colony of vertebrate animals
train postdocs and graduate students
collaborate with other members of the lab and collaborators
Work Location:
Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO.
Why Join Us:
The Department of Immunology and Microbiology encompasses a broad range of research and teaching activities focused on basic mechanisms of host immune responses, viral and bacterial pathogenesis, and the intersection of these two fields. Working in the Department of Immunology and Microbiology offers the opportunity of professional growth in a vibrant academic and scientific environment.
Why work for the University?
We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:
- Medical: Multiple plan options
- Dental: Multiple plan options
- Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
- Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
- Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year (based on percentage of time)
- Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
- Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
- Holiday Days: 11/year
- Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
- ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
PhD degree in microbiology, cell biology, or a related field prior to starting this position. Candidates in the final stages of completing their doctoral level degree are eligible to apply.
Prior experience with phage biology, molecular biology, and microbiology.
Preferred Qualifications:
Published work in a peer-reviewed journal.
Excellent communication skills and ability to work in team.
Experience in molecular biology and microbiology.
Knowledge of bacterial genetics.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Proficient knowledge of basic laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques
Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution
Outstanding service skills
Knowledge of microbiology, bacterial genetics and molecular biology
Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information
How to Apply:
For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):
1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
2. Curriculum vitae / Resume
3. Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address
Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.
Questions should be directed to: Brooke Lydick, brooke.lydick@cuanschutz.edu
Screening of Applications Begins:
Immediately and continues until August 25, 2026.
Anticipated Pay Range:
The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:
$65,000 to $66,948
The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Total Compensation Calculator:
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
ADA Statement:
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu.
Background Check Statement:
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.
Vaccination Statement:
CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.
See All 12 Research Scientist Jobs in Colorado
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Find Research Scientist JobsResearch Scientist Jobs by City in Colorado
Where Colorado roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Scientist Job Market in Colorado
A snapshot from current Colorado openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Colorado Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research scientist jobs across Colorado.
- PhD in a relevant scientific discipline such as biology, chemistry, or physics
- Demonstrated research experience through peer-reviewed publications or funded projects
- Proficiency with laboratory techniques, data analysis software, or scientific computing tools
- Ability to obtain or maintain security clearance for defense and government contractor roles
- Experience designing experiments, interpreting results, and presenting findings to stakeholders
- Strong written communication skills for grant writing, reporting, and cross-functional collaboration
Research Scientist Jobs in Colorado: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research scientist in Colorado?
Research scientists in Colorado typically need at minimum a master's degree, with most positions at national labs, aerospace contractors, and biotechnology companies requiring a PhD in a relevant field. Unlike nursing or engineering, there is no state-issued license for research scientists in Colorado. Hiring paths run through university research programs, federal lab affiliates like NREL and NOAA, and Colorado's growing biotech corridor, where postdoctoral experience or a strong publication record is the most common differentiator.
Which companies hire research scientists in Colorado?
Employers hiring research scientists in Colorado right now include Google, University of Colorado, and Anduril, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Colorado's concentration of federal laboratories, aerospace primes, and biotech firms means consistent demand across both government-sponsored and commercial research environments.
Which Colorado cities have the most research scientist jobs?
The Colorado cities with the most research scientist openings are Boulder, Aurora, and Fort Collins. The Denver metro anchors demand through its aerospace, energy, and healthcare industries, Boulder draws significant volume from federal research institutions and university spinouts, and Colorado Springs contributes roles tied to defense and space systems contractors based at and around Peterson Space Force Base.
Are there remote research scientist jobs in Colorado?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since many research scientist roles require lab access, specialized equipment, or secure facilities. About 0% of research scientist openings tied to Colorado are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with remote options most available in computational, data-heavy, or policy-facing research roles that do not depend on physical laboratory work.
How can I get hired as a research scientist in Colorado with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a research assistant or associate scientist role, which Colorado employers at institutions like the University of Colorado system, Colorado State University, and NREL regularly post for candidates with a bachelor's or master's degree and lab coursework. Pursuing a postdoctoral fellowship at a Colorado federal lab or research university is the standard bridge into full scientist roles. Candidates from adjacent positions such as lab technician, research analyst, or clinical research coordinator frequently transition into junior research scientist openings, particularly in Colorado's biotech and environmental sectors.
Where can I find and apply to research scientist jobs in Colorado?
You can find and apply to research scientist jobs in Colorado on Migrate Mate, which lists current Colorado openings across industries and experience levels. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly from the listing.
See All 12 Research Scientist Jobs in Colorado
Find roles in Colorado that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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